Located just 15 miles north of Boston, we're one of the largest state universities in Massachusetts, and an important partner in the economic, cultural and intellectual vitality of the greater Boston region.

Salem State offers 32 undergraduate degree programs in the liberal arts, human services and business, along with graduate programs that provide degrees in 24 fields and a continuing education division that offers both credit and non-credit programs.

Salem State is committed to our liberal arts heritage, academic freedom, equity and access, affordability, inclusivity, social justice, student-centeredness, and a sense of community that gives it a small-college feel in a university setting.

World languages and cultures is a dynamic program offering instruction in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish, as well as courses in English about world cultures, literatures and translation studies. In our courses, students acquire the communicative language skills, cultural competency and analytical ability needed in order to be successful, active participants in the increasingly globalized and multicultural society in which we live.

Degree Programs

World Languages and Culture

BA

Undergraduate

Students choosing to major or double-major in world languages and cultures must choose a concentration in one of three languages: French, Italian, or Spanish. Each concentration in comprised of 12 courses in language, literature and/or culture, with interdisciplinary course options in the liberal arts concentration. All majors complete an experiential learning course (internship, community service placement, or travel-study project), as well as a senior seminar where students undertake a major research project on a topic of their choosing.bachelor of arts in world languages and cultures (WLC) that gives students the skills they need to communicate effectively in their chosen language, while also providing the cultural knowledge and analytical skills needed to be able to work in a multilingual setting.

Chinese

Minor

Undergraduate

Our minor in Chinese Studies prepares students to become active participants in an increasingly globalized and multicultural world and to be equipped for job opportunities.

Many students and professionals around the world are studying Chinese, which also means learning about Chinese culture and worldview. Learning the language is an essential tool in preparing oneself for careers in political science, international affairs, international business, economy, business, international law, and others.

French

Minor

Undergraduate

The French program includes the study of French and Francophone cultures and literatures, in which you will develop sharp critical thinking ability, oral and written analytical skills, a comparative perspective on global affairs, cross-cultural awareness and the ability to work with diverse groups of people, a broad multidisciplinary knowledge base (including literature, history, art, politics, philosophy, linguistics, sociology, economics, and many more disciplines which intersect with French and Francophone cultures).

German

Minor

Undergraduate

Our German studies minor prepares students to become active participants in an increasingly globalized and multicultural world and equipped for personal and professional success. German is the world’s third largest exporting economy and a vital business partner with the United States. Significant corporate leaders are based in Germany, Austria and Switzerland—BMW, Bayer, Volkswagen, Adidas, Puma, Bosch, Hugo Boss, Löwenbräu, Beck’s, Red Bull, Lufthansa, Swatch, Lindt, Nestlé, TAG Heuer, Swarovski, and Steinway & Sons.

Italian

Minor

Undergraduate

The Italian program will prepare you for your career in any number of fields where language skills, cross-cultural awareness and critical thinking are valued.

In addition to developing proficiency in speaking, reading and writing Italian, the program also includes the study of Italian culture and literature, in which you will develop sharp critical thinking ability, oral and written analytical skills, a comparative perspective on global affairs, cross-cultural awareness and the ability to work with diverse groups of people, a broad multidisciplinary knowledge base (including literature, history, art, politics, economics, and many more disciplines which intersects with Italian culture).

Spanish

Minor

Undergraduate

Spanish is the language of over 400 million people in over 20 countries and the second most spoken language in the US. Hispanics have recently become the largest minority in our country and will comprise a quarter of the US population in just a few decades. For these reasons Spanish is the most studied foreign language in the country and there is a high demand for people who can communicate in Spanish, as well as for people who can teach it.

A Spanish minor can result in employment opportunities in many areas such as business, government, and social services, besides teaching, translating and interpreting. Also, it will give you a competitive edge in the job market no matter what your major is!

World Languages

Minor

Undergraduate

Arabic Studies

Minor

Undergraduate

The minor in Arabic studies is comprised of six courses: four language courses (elementary and intermediate Arabic) plus two electives chosen from courses in history, geography, or additional advanced Arabic language courses.

Spanish, Professional Concentration

Concentration

Undergraduate

This track is designed for those who will use Spanish in a professional field, such business, law, health services, social services, and technical professions and includes courses in translation and interpretation, as well as advanced language and culture courses.

Spanish

Concentration

Undergraduate

Our liberal arts concentration includes interdisciplinary course options in other departments, such as history, sociology and political science to give students a well-rounded educational experience. This concentration is designed to be flexible, for students who are double-majoring or who plan to go to graduate school in the arts and sciences.

French

Concentration

Undergraduate

The French concentration consists of 12 courses, including some interdisciplinary course options in other departments like art, history, geography, philosophy, and political science. All world languages and cultures majors complete an experiential learning course (internship, service-learning, or travel-study project) as well as a senior seminar where students undertake a major research project on a topic of their choosing.

Italian

Concentration

Undergraduate

The world languages and cultures major with an Italian concentration is comprised of 12 courses (36 credits) including interdisciplinary course options in other departments like art, history and political science. All majors complete an experiential learning course (internship, service-learning, or travel-study project) and a senior seminar in which students complete a major research project on a topic of their choosing.

Spanish, Middle/High School Teacher Prep

MAT

Graduate

Salem State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish prepares students to work at either the elementary or secondary level. Our program is unique because it runs through the world languages department and is taught entirely by full time professors. The rigorous Spanish course package is entirely in Spanish and offers a solidly balanced preparation. The program is especially beneficial for initial level students, but our MAT program addresses all coursework needed for the professional license as well as the initial license.

Translation

Certificate

Undergraduate

This program will introduce students to the important field of translation and allow students to develop and ultimately to demonstrate competency in essential translation skills. The sequence of courses will also provide students with an understanding of the skills needed to become professionally certified translators and/or to work as salaried or freelance translators. Students will complete translation projects and will compile a professional portfolio by the end of the certificate program.